Forever Hold My Heart

A week had passed and things were finally getting back to normal or at least as normal as things could get. The book was being investigated so there was currently no update on the matter. I was pretty bummed out about my gun, we couldn’t find it anywhere. Mathew said he would just get me another one but it just wasn’t the same.
I had joined the guys on mall watch it was nothing extravagant, on the contrary it was rather boring. One day I could be on patrol and just walking around or the next I would work for a store. The only fun part about this was closing up because we would just fool around.
Today I was in charge of a shoe store. I was very tempted to strut some shoes around but I knew better.
“Knock, knock,” I looked up and saw Landon walk in with two ice cream cones.
“Hey there,” I said
“Here you go,” Landon said handing me one of the ice creams
“Thanks,” I said
“No problem,” Landon said and I made eye contact and he had this look in his eyes.
“What?” I asked
“Remember how that one store at the end of the mall is closed.” Landon said
“Yes...” I said
“Well they finally finished moving everything out so now its just a empty space,” Landon said
“This is exciting because?” I asked
“Well let me give you a hint,” Landon said and he pulled out a key from his pocket.
“Are those the keys to-” I paused
“To the empty lot.” Landon added
“Shut up,” I said
“I’m being serious, that’s why after we close everything up we’re going to go chill out, you in?” Landon asked
“Did you even have to ask.” I said
“That’s the spirit.Oh what time is it?” Landon asked
“1 more hour till the mall closes,” I said and he groaned. “You’re not the only one suffering.”
“Well I guess I’ll get back to work but meet us there when you’re done closing up here.” Landon said and I just nodded.

1 hour and 10 minutes later.
After closing the store I headed over to the empty lot.
“You’re late,” Landon said waiting just outside the lot.
“Sorry for doing my job,” I said
“Come on it’s a lot bigger than I thought it would be.” Landon said as we entered the area. I lit up it was huge. I started doing cartwheels out of joy.
“So how long is this place vacant for?” I asked
“Who cares,” Julian shouted as he was being pushed on a foldable dolly cart by Adam.
“Where did you get that from?” Landon asked
“The back room,” Adam said as he started pushing Julian faster and faster until he finally let go. I let out a laugh as Julian gripped the edges of the cart.
“This is not going to end well at all,” Jack said next to me.
“There’s not much we can do.” I said
“Adam there’s no more carts in the back room.” Landon said
“Well come join us,” Julian called out.
“Hey guys you want to join!” Adam called out to the both of us.
“I’ll pass,” Jack said
“I’ll second that motion,” I said
“Fine then party poopers,” Adam called out and I just rolled my eyes.
“Hey since we have time you want to meditate,” I asked Jack
“Yeah sure, but did you want to step out of here so we can meditate in silence.” Jack said and I nodded. We found some benches and decided to just sit there. “I’ll keep my thought nice and slow.”
“Okay,” I said.
I had already lost track of time and was so far in that I felt like I was floating. I then tried to concentrate on what Jack was thinking.
“You’re forcing yourself too much,” Jack said I just sighed and opened my eyes.
“It’s never going to happen!” I said
“You were on the right track in the beginning but towards the end you just strayed. The key to opening your mind is not to think about it,” Jack said
“Oh man I’ve been at this for,” I paused and counted the months, “For about 10 months and no progress.”
“Don’t be over dramatic,” Jack started but was interrupted by my phone ringing. I shot up from my seat.
“Dude it’s 11:17 and Travis is calling!” I said a bit panicked. The mall closed at 9:30 it took time to make sure everything was closed properly but not almost two hours, we were so busted.
“Hello,” I said
“Where are you?” Travis said and I could tell he sounded upset.
“Oh where am I, well you know,” I started as I grabbed Jack by the wrist and led him back to the empty lot.
“I come home to find that you guys are not here, so I thought maybe you guys were on a assignment or something. I had decided that I would call just to make sure and then they tell me that you guys should be home, where you guys are not. So where are you?” He said as I watched Jack hurrying the guys to wrap things up.
“We’re still at the mall.” I said
“Doing what?” Travis said
“Just hanging out.” I said
“I want you guys homes in 15 minutes or else.” Travis said and he hung.
“We are so dead.” I said

When we arrived at the house nobody made a move to get out.
“We’re all in this together,” Jack said and we all slowly got out of the car.
When we opened the door Travis was not in sight. We quietly walked in when we heard someone clear their throat. We all looked to our left, and it was Marcus.
“I came with Travis to hang out with you guys and this is what I find? That all of you guys are out doing God know what!” Marcus said
“We were seriously just at the-” Jack started
“No be honest where were you guys at.” Marcus said
“The mall,” I said like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
“I’m blaming this one on you,” Marcus said looking at me.
“Please, you know you love me the most,” I said smiling.
“It’s hard to be upset when you can’t even take me serious,” Marcus said sitting down on the couch. “Now come sit down I have gifts for all of you guys.”
“So it takes us doing something bad for you to be nice,” I said and he rolled his eyes.
“These are for you,” Marcus said handing us pocket sized books. At first glance they reminded me of those orange bibles some lady use to give out every other month at the corner of my school. I flipped through it and paused.
“Are these copies of the book that latronum gave me?” I asked
“Yes it is, and as of now you guys need to study these faces. They could be walking around the mall and you wouldn’t even know it.” Marcus said
“Wait but this couldn’t possibly be all of them?” I said
“Well if you would let me finish. I was just about to say not to only rely on this because there is a big possibility that there are more.”
“How many of them are in here?” Julian asked and Marcus sighed and replied
“68”
“That’s a lot of them.” I said
“I know, but for now all we can do is be on defense.” Marcus said. The thought that there was even way more of them than the book listed made me sick to my stomach.
“But don’t you think we’re outnumbered?” Jack asked
“We clearly are but after further analysis the book says who hangs out with who. So in other words, Latronums don’t all work together, if anything they are against each other.” Marcus said
“Then shouldn’t we go out there and try to kill off as many as possible.” I said
“They are already arranging plans to set teams out in daylight,” Marcus said
“Are we one of those teams,” Jack asked
“I don’t know,” Marcus said
“No,” Travis said as he entered the room.
“Why?” I asked
“As of right now it wouldn’t be wise to send you guys out there, especially you Katelyn. I mean what would happen if you were in the middle of a fight and then you had a connection, not only would you put yourself in danger you’d put everyone else in danger as well.” Travis said
“But it hasn’t been decided yet,” Marcus said
“Next time you guys decide to ‘hang out’ at least let one of us know,” Travis said
“Yeah, yeah,” I said
“I’m serious,” Travis said
“Okay we’re sorry,” I said sincerely
“Now off to bed all of you,” Marcus said and we all dragged our feet as we did. We all got ready for bed when a thought occurred to me?
“Hey I thought there were other people living here other than us.” I said
“There was but then they moved out,” Julian said
“Oh I guess that makes sense.” I said
“Katelyn!” Marcus called my name from downstairs
“What,” I yelled back
“Come here!” Marcus said and I hurried down the stairs.
“Yes,” I said and Marcus handed me a piece of paper, it had a number on it.
“Whose number is this?” I asked
“Gavin,” Marcus said and I felt my stomach drop. I felt guilty because I haven’t really kept in touch or even made an effort to try and go visit him or anything.
“Oh well thanks,” I said and I walked upstairs.
When I walked into my room the boys were already laying in bed. I climbed up to my bed and sent a quick text.
‘Hey I know you’re probably sleeping but I just got your number. -Katelyn’
I laid down and sighed, what the hell was I doing with my life.

The next morning started off entirely different instead of waking up around 3am and watching tv the boys decided to go swimming. I just stayed inside and debating on making breakfast. If I made breakfast I would have to cook for a lot longer than I would like. Also I couldn’t just make myself breakfast without offering. I let out a groan.
I decided pancakes for everyone it is.
“Mmmm making pancakes.” I looked up as Travis entered the kitchen. I then looked at the clock it said 3:15.
“You still have time to eat,” I said
“I really shouldn’t but if you insist,” he said and I just playfully rolled my eyes. I put the first finished pancake on his plate.
“Bon appetit,” I said
“Good desires?” Travis asked
“what?” I asked
“Bon appetit in latin means good desires,” Travis said
“Oh I said it in french, nevermind just eat the pancakes.” I said and he laughed
“So I’ll be stopping by at the mall later on,” Travis said
“Oh really?” I asked raising my eyebrow.
“Yeah I have some promises to fulfill,” Travis said
“Promises...” I trailed off.
“Don’t tell me you seriously forgot about,” He started
“Oh yeah!” I said
“So I’ll see you then.” Travis said putting his dish in the sink, “Thank you.”
He grabbed his keys and hurried off. I just shook my head, I hope they weren’t expecting me to wash all the dishes because if they did I’m going to kill someone.
I started to stack the pancakes on a plate. I think it was enough to get them started so I set out some plates and glasses outside on the patio table.
“Wait, guys, I said wait!,” Landon said as I brought out the plate of pancakes. “I smell pancakes.”
I smiled as I waited for them to realize that breakfast was being served. I watched as they all just stood there and Jack was the only one who swam over.
“Breakfast!” I said and they immediately started wrestling their way over, except for jack he was already serving himself.
“Thank you,” Jack said about to give me a hug.
“Ah, save it for when you’re dry,” I said putting my hands up.
“Right,” Jack said sitting down. I walked back inside and continued to make more.

Once breakfast was over I told the guys to make sure to pick up everything up. I took a shower and got dressed. By the time I was completely ready it was already 4:23 am.
I just walked downstairs to watch tv with the guys we still had about 5 hours till we had to go.
“What’s on?” I asked
“Jenkin’s Is this your dress,” Jack said
“Not again,” I said and I got up to the computer room. When I walked in I saw Adam.
“Dude I’m famous,” Adam said and I pulled up another chair.
“What does it say about you,” I said and he just showed me pictures of him. They were all from him busting parties. One of them was where he was with all of us at Jenkins. Another was from the masquerade.
“Yeah but I think I take the crown on the amount of fame.” I said brushing off my shoulders.
“Please...” Adam said typing in my name and pictures just kept popping up.
“Oh my god, wait go up.” I said, and he did. It was a picture of when I was blindfolded and had gotten hit by a car.
“Alright I think you take the crown.” Adam said and he kept scrolling and he stopped at a picture of when I was 1 years old with my mom and dad.
“Click on it,” I said as I furrowed my eyebrows.
“It’s actually a link to a video, it’s from the Hudson show. ” Adam said
“Just push play,” I said

Hudson : Welcome back, I’m here with Katie.
Katie: Hello Hudson, it’s good to be back
Hudson: So we all remember about 16 years ago the tragedies that happened in this town caused by Joseph Henderson. Well during that time his wife and child disappeared into the other world. So tell us about recent events Katie
Katie: Just recently they found the child of Joseph Henderson. Her name is Katelyn and she’s 18 years old, not only that she’s a custos. See now that’s big because here we have a guardian whose barely going into training and we don’t even know how she was raised.
Hudson : Surely we can’t judge her by her father's actions
Katie: You know what they say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
Hudson : I mean I can see where you’re coming from and what about her mother.
Katie: If you don’t remember, she was a part of Joseph's work and don’t even start about the affair she had.
Hudson : But we don’t know if affair was just a rumor or not.

“This is bullshit” I said as I clenched my fist, “I can’t watch this anymore.”
I got up and walked away, I had the urge to punch something or someone, so I just walked upstairs to my room. I kept pacing until my phone started ringing, it was Mathew.
“Hello,” I answered
“Hey have one of the boys bring you down here,” Mathew said
“Okay...” I said

Jack was the one who brought me to camp. I was still pissed off about the whole interview thing. Mathew had given me another gun it was at all like the one I had it was just a regular gun, he said it was temporarily. Jack and I had decided to just hang out and told the guys we’d meet them at the mall when the time came. Again all we did was meditate, by the time we were done my butt was sore from sitting down for too long.

I was dreading the mall especially after I found out that I was going to be running another store. It was a store for both genders. I was currently leaning against the counter flipping through the book. One latronum was crossed out and I recognized him as the one who tried to take Leah.
“Who would have thought we’d meet again,” I looked up to see Nate
“Well look who’s stalking who now,” I smiled
“So you admit to stalking me,” Nate said
“Yeah right,” I said
“What’s this,” Nate said and reached for the book but I pulled it away and put it into my back pocket.
“That is none of your business.” I said
“So how have you been,” Nate asked
“Well I’m still alive so good I guess and you? Anymore parties or clubbing,” I asked
“Aw please don’t take me for that kind of guy,” Nate said
“Hey don’t even worry about it, I’m not judging,” I said walking out from behind the counter. “Not that I want you to leave, but you don’t have someone waiting for you or anything.”
“Nope I just came here to pick up something, and as I was walking I saw you and thought I’d drop by,” Nate said
“I’m glad you did,” I said picking up a box.
“So what do they make you do,” Nate said taking the box from me.
“I work as if I was just another employee.” I said opening the box and pulling out a skirt, it was a really nice skirt. It was short in the front and long in the back, this must have been the new fashion trend going on.
“Do you like it?” Nate asked
“Yeah” I started
“Then try it on,” Nate said and I raised my eyebrow
“Why?” I asked
“Just do it,” Nate said
“Alright, I’m going,” I said and walked over to the dressing room. I looked at myself in the mirror, maybe I could get Travis to buy this for me. I walked out of the dressing room.
“Looks good,” Nate said, “Do you like it?”
“Yeah but why’d you make me try it on.” I asked
“I wanted to know what it looked like before I bought it.” Nate said
“Hey if you like to wear skirts then I think you should have tried it on,” I said and he just smiled and pushed me back in the dressing room.
“So funny Katelyn,” Nate said sarcastically and I laughed. I got dressed and came out and gave the skirt to Nate.
“So who’s the skirt for?” I asked
“Just some awesome chick,” Nate said
“Oh that’s cool I guess,” I said going over to the register.
“This girl pretty cool and fate just keeps bringing us together,” Nate said as I rang him up
“Are you sure it’s going to fit her?” I asked
“Oh I know it’ll fit her,” Nate said
“That’s going to be 14 dollars and 32 cents,” I said and Nate handed me the money. I gave him his change and the bag with the skirt in it.
“Here you go,” Nate said handing me the bag.
“What, you changed your mind?” I asked
“No silly, I bought it for you,” Nate said and I felt my cheeks get hot.
“I-I don’t know what to say,” I stuttered a bit
“I think most people would just say thank you,” Nate said and I just smiled.
“Thank you,” I said
“It was no problem, hey maybe I’ll stop by late and we can have lunch or something,” Nate said
“Okay,” I said and he looked at his phone.
“I got to run so I’ll see you around,” He said and started to walk away. He stopped at the entrance. “I know you still have my number so text me.”
I just rolled my eyes and smiled. He was unpredictable and I think that’s what I liked about him.